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Old May 25, 2021 | 12:29 PM
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Default LS1 vs LS6

So I am currently in the process of swapping a 53k mile 2003 LS1 into a Mazda Rx8 with my dad, and he has a 2002 z06 with long tubes, a callaway intake, and a tune. His setup makes 402whp, not sure what type of dyno but probably a dynojet. I've been very curious about the LS1 setup and how much power it will be making. Here are the mods that it will have:
CAI
102mm TB
​​​​LSX Fast 102 intake
long tubes, I think 1 ¾
TSP Beehive valve springs
Maybe Sdparts ls6 max power cam, if so, the correct pushrods. Maybe a Texas speed stage 2 cam
The max power cam is almost identical to an LS6 cam, it just has slightly more aggressive exhaust lobes. Everyone has been saying that you can't really reach the same power as an LS6 with those mods on an LS1, but why not? It will have equal or better parts minus the heads which are obviously worse, so whats stopping this from making 400whp?
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Old May 25, 2021 | 03:01 PM
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Originally Posted by LS Rx8
.......so what's stopping this from making 400whp?
The heads
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Old May 25, 2021 | 03:10 PM
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Heads/Intake/Tune.
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Old May 25, 2021 | 04:10 PM
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What 400whp cannot be accomplished with 241's? There's certainly better alternatives for cathedral heads to make more power but a stock LS1 in an Rx8 should make for a fun little car.
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Old May 25, 2021 | 07:40 PM
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Originally Posted by G Atsma
The heads
You're telling me confidently that even though I have a better cam, entire intake setup, and entire exhaust setup, I will be making less because the heads are slightly more restrictive? I'm a little skeptical but I'm relatively new to the LS world. I'm pretty sure the stock LS1 heads are still good for 450bhp
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Old May 25, 2021 | 07:59 PM
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Your making up for the heads being a tad handicapped compared to the 243’s, with the better camshaft, induction, and exhaust. I’d say you’ll make north of 400, without worry. Don’t skimp on the tune.
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Old May 25, 2021 | 08:11 PM
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Of course, the tune will be done by the set up wizard of the terminator X, which I have heard is very good
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Old May 25, 2021 | 09:22 PM
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Originally Posted by LS Rx8
You're telling me confidently that even though I have a better cam, entire intake setup, and entire exhaust setup, I will be making less because the heads are slightly more restrictive? I'm a little skeptical but I'm relatively new to the LS world. I'm pretty sure the stock LS1 heads are still good for 450bhp
I guess what I tried to say, and not too well, was IF anything would prevent 400+ HP, it would be the heads.
I thought that was what your question was, and I misunderstood.
I do apologize!
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Old May 26, 2021 | 02:49 PM
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Get the heads milled. Take them down to about 61cc. Porting the heads would also help, but that costs a bit more. Milling heads is usually cheap.
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Old May 26, 2021 | 02:57 PM
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Originally Posted by LS Rx8
Of course, the tune will be done by the set up wizard of the terminator X, which I have heard is very good
You'll need a real tune by a real tuner. The setup wizard is not equivalent.
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